Making News on Heart.org

New companies work with the American Heart Association to put an end to number one and number five causes of death in America

DALLAS, August 24, 2017 — The American Heart Association, the world’s leading voluntary health organization devoted to fighting cardiovascular disease and stroke, has enlisted the support of leading corporate supporters in its continuing efforts to end needless suffering and death. When consumers purchase a phone or buy a pair of shoes during the month of September, they’ll have the opportunity to also donate to the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why We Give™ fundraising campaign. AT&T and Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse are the newest national companies to join a growing list of businesses who are helping the American Heart Association fight heart disease and stroke – the number one and number five killers in America.

Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt, the nation’s largest self-serve frozen yogurt franchise, is returning this year with support to the Association during the month of August by offering guests the opportunity to donate $1 or more at the register.

AT&T is inviting customers to donate $5 anytime in September by texting HEART to 50555 and offering the opportunity to donate $3, $5 or $10 during in-store visits.

Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse is inviting customers to donate $2 or more at the register from September 8 thru October 7. Each $2 donation will receive a free pair of specially designed socks.

“The American Heart Association thanks these companies for supporting our work by providing donation opportunities for their customers,” said American Heart Association Board Chairman James Postl. “Having companies like these participate in our Life Is Why We Give™ campaign makes a great impact in our fundraising efforts to help reduce cardiovascular diseases and stroke.”

As the leading source of non-government funded cardiovascular science, the Association has invested more than $3.7 billion in scientific research and discovery since 1949. The organization trains approximately 2 million high school graduates in CPR every year and has reduced cardiovascular disease mortality by 70 percent since 1968.

"Thanks to the American Heart Association, my father's life is why I give and why I volunteered to lead our Heart Walk team in Atlanta,” said Donny Kringen, AT&T employee and AHA Atlanta Heart Walk City Champion. “Without medical advances made possible by organizations like the AHA, he would not have survived his multiple heart attacks and he wouldn't be here. Knowing that, I am compelled to give."

“My husband suffers from heart disease so I was thrilled to hear that Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt is supporting the American Heart Association by raising money to save and improve lives from heart disease. I am honored to work for a company that puts people first, and that focuses on community before commerce,” said Michelle Brady, Menchie’s team-member.

“We are proud to partner with the American Heart Association’s Life Is Why campaign in all of our stores nationwide,” said Ernie Shore, CFO of Off Broadway Shoe Warehouse. “As someone who deals with a heart arrhythmia, the mission of the AHA is personally near and dear to my heart. This campaign promoting healthy lifestyle choices connects with me and I believe it will connect with our customers.”

In addition to contributing to saving lives through company supporters, donations can also be made directly to the Association by visiting www.lifeiswhy.org/donate. To learn more about the Life Is Why We Give campaign and to find other participating companies, visit heart.org/lifeiswhywegive.

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About the American Heart Association

The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter.

About Life Is Why We Give™

The American Heart Association is urging Americans to unite in support of healthy living and the American Heart Association by participating in campaigns led by supporters around the country – including making a donation at participating companies, purchasing specialty products to benefit the AHA, attending fundraising events and more. Life Is Why We Give allows consumers to think about their reasons to live healthier, longer lives and to give in honor of those reasons. Too long, heart disease and stroke have stolen our precious moments. In February, we fight back together and affirm that we’re more powerful than these diseases… because everyone has a reason to live a longer, healthier life… and that reason is why we give.